How to Create a Folder on Xiaomi’s Desktop: The Complete Guide

Today’s Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with powerful processors and large screens, which allows you to install hundreds of applications. However, chaoticly scattered icons on the desktop create visual noise and make it difficult to quickly access the desired functions, which is why the competent organization of the interface space becomes a critical task for every device owner.

Creating Android folders in the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS is a basic skill that greatly speeds up navigation. Grouping applications into categories like Social Networks or Games allows you to keep the interface clean. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to create, rename and configure folders, and also consider the hidden capabilities of the system.

Many users are unaware that standard methods can be supplemented with useful life hacks. We will consider not only the classic drag and drop, but also the automatic scenarios that the system offers. Understanding these nuances will help you make using your smartphone as comfortable and efficient as possible.

Basic method of creating a folder by drag and drop

The most common and intuitive way to organize space is Drag-and-Drop, which works the same on all current firmware versions from Xiaomi, and you don't need any additional utilities or superuser rights, because the feature is built into the core of the system.

First, unlock the device and go to the home screen. Find two app icons that you want to group together. Tap the first icon and hold the tap until you get a light vibration and zoom in, and that's a signal that the editing mode is activated.

Keep your finger on the table, move the selected application over the second one, which should be part of the folder. Once the top icon zooms in slightly or a translucent area appears, release your finger. The system automatically creates a container and places both applications there.

• 📱 Find the first app to add to the group.
• ✋ Press the icon before going into editing mode.
• 📂 Drag the item over the second application.
• ✅ Release your finger to automatically combine.

⚠️ Warning: If you accidentally release an icon in an empty area of the screen when dragging it, it will simply move to a new position, but the folder will not be created. Make sure the source icon is strictly above the target icon at the time of release.

Once the container is created, the system will prompt you to enter a name. By default, Xiaomi offers a category based on the type of application, for example, "Tools" or "Social." You can agree to the proposal or enter your own name using a virtual keyboard.

Alternative ways of grouping applications

Drag and drop is not always convenient, especially if the user has a large thumb or a smartphone screen, and in such cases, you can use an alternative algorithm for actions through the editing mode of the desktop, which gives more control over the process.

Put two fingers on the screen, or hold your finger empty for a long time to activate the desktop control menu. There are additional options at the bottom of the screen. Choose the application that will be the first in the folder, and drag it to the center of the screen where a new folder usually forms, or to another application.

There is also the option of creating an empty folder through some third-party launchers, but in the MIUI stock shell, a folder is only created when at least two elements are combined. If you need to add a third application to an existing group, just drag it to an open folder.

It's important to consider that there may be restrictions when you move system applications, and some critical Android services may block you from putting yourself in folders so that you don't accidentally hide vital phone functions.

Customization of the appearance and contents of the folder

Once you've created a group of apps, you have customization options, and the HyperOS shell and the latest MIUI versions allow you to change not only the name, but also the visual display of the content, which helps you adapt the interface to your personal preferences.

Click on the folder you created to open it. At the top, you'll see a field with a name. Tap it to change the text. You can use emoji, which makes navigation even more intuitive. For example, a folder with games can be called "🎮 Games that visually distinguish it from others.

Inside the open folder, you can sort it, and then you press the icon and move it to the desired position, and the order of the items is automatically stored, and if you want to remove the application from the group, just drag it outside the folder to the desktop.

Problems with folder creation and their solution

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where standard logic does not work, icons do not merge, or a folder disappears after a reboot, most often due to a crowded launcher cache or conflict of design themes, Xiaomi is sensitive to third-party modifications.

If you're using a third-party theme from Themes, it might have bugs that prevent folder creation. Try temporarily switching to a standard theme, "Classic" or "No Limits," which will help diagnose the problem. If it works in standard mode, it's the theme code.

Another reason could be overflowing memory. When RAM is busy, interface animations can be jammed. Close background applications through the menu of running tasks and try to create a folder again. It's also helpful to clear the cache of the desktop system application.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to create folders while installing system updates or when the phone is very hot. During these periods, the processor may thrash, and the touchscreen may react with a delay, which will lead to errors.

To clear the launcher cache, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find Desktop (or Launcher) list, click Clear and select Cache. This is a secure operation that won't delete your data, but will reset temporary interface files.

Automatic Sorting and Smart Folders

Modern versions of Xiaomi firmware are introducing artificial intelligence to manage desktops. Smart folder or automatic sorting may suggest combining applications based on how often they are used, especially for users who install a lot of new software.

In some regions and versions of MIUI, the Download folder or similar service groups are available, and the system itself identifies newly installed apps and suggests placing them in a general category, eliminating the need to manually sort each new file or program.

Also worth mentioning is the Tools folder, which is created by default on many devices, often by a calculator, voice recorder, scanner, and other utilities, and the user can expand this group by adding third-party analogues of system applications for a single style.

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Use color-coded icons when creating folders, like putting apps with red logos in one group and blue ones in another group, which speeds up visual search for the program you want on a subconscious level.

Using widgets inside folders

One of the unique features of the MIUI shell is the ability to place small widgets inside folders, which saves desktop space while retaining functionality, but this feature is not available for all types of widgets.

To add a widget to a folder, first create it. Then open the widget menu (usually swipe to the right or through the edit menu), find the desired widget, such as Stepmer or Currency Course, and drag it directly to the open folder with applications.

If the widget requires more space than one cell, the system may suggest creating a new page inside the folder or refuse to add. Experiment with sizes to achieve perfect balance.

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The optimal desktop structure is 4-6 thematic folders on the home screen, which allows you to keep 90% of the applications you use on hand, keeping the interface clean and fast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)